Barry Ganzhorn named Caledonia-Mumford
Citizen of the Year

   Many people around Livingston County know Caledonia resident Barry Ganzhorn, Sr. as a nuisance wildlife control agent or as the author of The Inside about the Outside nature column. While he is both of those things, Ganzhorn is so much more, a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word. The Caledonia-Mumford Lions Club honored him as Citizen of the Year at a banquet held Saturday, May 19 in Caledonia.

   As a young boy living in Niagara Falls, Ganzhorn said he enjoyed family car rides on Saturdays to the Caledonia Fish Hatchery.

   "I always thought I’d like to live in Caledonia some day," he recalled.

   Years later, Ganzhorn and his wife, Sharyn, chose to leave the area in Niagara Falls that was later labeled "Love Canal" and moved their family to Caledonia.

   Since that time, Ganzhorn has made many friends and volunteered himself in countless ways. His most significant contribution to the Caledonia-Mumford community was his vision to develop 16 acres of land off of Spring Street in the village, into a nature trail and preserve for all to enjoy. He named it the MacKay Nature Trail and Preserve, after the family name of the woman who donated the land to the village 25 years ago, with the stipulation that it remained forever wild. Ganzhorn works for the Town of Caledonia on Saturdays, managing the transfer station at the landfill. Residents who use the transfer station to dispose of their refuse say Ganzhorn is always smiling and makes an unpleasant job, a pleasant experience. He is a volunteer at his church, St. Columba’s Roman Catholic parish and assists the elderly and homebound in Livingston County as a volunteer with Faith in Action, a program of Livingston County Catholic Charities.

   Dick Thomas, NYSDEC Investigator, praised Ganzhorn for his respectful approach to nature, wildlife and the environment.

   "Professionally, he’s the best. Personally, he’s a wonderful friend," Thomas said.

   Ganzhorn thanked his family and friends for attending the program and also the Cal-mum Lions Club for selecting him for this honor. He recognized all of the people who have helped him make the MacKay Nature Trail a success.

   "What one can’t accomplish alone, help from others will, and it will be beautiful," Ganzhorn said.